Seoul to Invest 3.6 Billion Won in Housing Improvements for 469 Households... Covers 80% of Construction Costs

Low-Interest "Safe Home Repair Loan Support Program" Also Underway
"Reducing the Burden of Old Home Repairs to Create Comfortable Living Environments"

A view of a row house and multi-family complex in downtown Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News

The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced on July 4 that it has selected 469 households to receive support under the "Safe Home Repair" program, which aims to improve housing conditions and energy efficiency for vulnerable families. The city will provide a total of approximately 3.63 billion won in subsidies for this initiative.

The Safe Home Repair subsidy program covers up to 80% of total construction costs, with a maximum of 12 million won per household, for homes belonging to vulnerable groups. The support includes repairs to improve the interior performance of homes, such as insulation, waterproofing, windows, and facilities, as well as the installation of safety features to prevent flooding and fires. Convenience facilities to improve living conditions, such as removing level differences for the elderly and installing safety handrails, are also included.

This year, the city received a total of 993 applications in the first half and, following review by the subsidy management committee, prioritized households with incomes below the median and selected 469 cases for support, providing a total of 3.639 billion won. Last year, the city supported 1,028 cases involving vulnerable households and low-rise homes such as semi-basement units, with a total of 7.793 billion won in subsidies.

For homes with tenants, the city requires a rent stabilization agreement to be signed, which freezes the rent and guarantees a four-year residency period, thereby enhancing housing stability for vulnerable families. The city also requires construction companies to provide defect warranty bonds to prevent poor construction and ensure quality.

Additionally, to support the renovation of low-rise homes over 20 years old, the city provided 34 cases with a total of 1.205 billion won in low-interest loans through the Safe Home Repair Loan Support Program in the first half of this year. The city plans to continue both the subsidy and loan support programs in the second half of the year, following additional review.

Choi Jinseok, Director of Housing at the Seoul Metropolitan Government, stated, "As citizens have actively participated in this project, we will spare no effort to reduce the financial burden of repairing old homes and to create a safe and pleasant living environment. We will also work to protect citizens' safety and property from natural disasters such as heavy rainfall, monsoon season, and typhoons."